GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1993

H	1 

HOUSE BILL 1321

Short Title:  Fiscal Note Requirement.	(Public)
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Sponsors: Representative Bowman.
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Referred to:  Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House.
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May 10, 1993

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT TO REQUIRE A FISCAL NOTE FOR ANY LEGISLATION INTRODUCED THAT REASONABLY APPEARS TO HAVE AN ANNUAL FISCAL IMPACT OF ONE THOUSAND DOLLARS OR MORE ON THE STATE'S BUDGET.
Whereas, the State of North Carolina is required to develop a balanced budget before adjournment of the legislature; and 
Whereas, the scrutiny, verification, and updating of the continuation budget is a very important aspect of keeping a balanced budget for each year; and
Whereas, the "creeping" increase in the cost of living is a factor that must be dealt with each year; and
Whereas, the additional "creeping" increase of the cost to the State is brought about by each legislative bill and resolution that is introduced and passed that uses State resources for the implementation, administration, judicial consideration, and enforcement of new laws; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
Section 1.  G.S. 120-36.7 is amended by adding a new subsection to read:
"( e)	Proposed Legislation With Annual Fiscal Impact of One Thousand Dollars or More. – Every  bill and resolution introduced in the General Assembly that reasonably appears to have an annual fiscal impact of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more on the State's budget shall have attached to it at the time of its consideration by the General Assembly a fiscal note prepared by the Fiscal Research Division.
The primary sponsor of each bill or resolution to which this subsection applies shall present a copy of the bill or resolution with the request for a fiscal note to the Fiscal Research Division.  Upon receipt of the request and the copy of the bill or resolution, the Fiscal Research Division shall prepare the fiscal note as promptly as possible.  The Fiscal Research Division shall prepare the fiscal note and transmit it along with the assumptions and methodology, sources of data, and technical considerations used in the preparation of the fiscal note to the primary sponsor within one week after the request is made, unless the primary sponsor agrees to an extension of time.
This fiscal note shall be attached to the original of each proposed bill or resolution that is reported favorably by any committee of the General Assembly, but shall be separate from the bill or resolution and shall be clearly designated as a fiscal note.  A fiscal note attached to a bill or resolution pursuant to this subsection is not a part of the bill or resolution and is not an expression of legislative intent proposed by the bill or resolution.
If a committee of the General Assembly reports favorably a proposed bill or resolution with an amendment that would reasonably appear to have an annual fiscal impact of one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more on the State's budget, the chair of the committee shall obtain from the Fiscal Research Division and attach to the amended bill or resolution a fiscal note as provided in this section."
Sec. 2.  There is appropriated from the General Fund to the General Assembly the sum of fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) for the 1993-94 fiscal year for staff support needed to implement this act.
Sec. 3.  Section 2 of this act becomes effective July 1, 1993.  Section 1 of this act is effective beginning with fiscal estimates addressing the 1994-95 fiscal year.  The remainder of this act is effective upon ratification.